For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Sir Lenny Henry has said being given opportunities in the entertainment industry allowed him to help “break down barriers” for other people of colour as he received the coveted special recognition gong at the National Television Awards. The 64-year-old comedian and actor who hails from Dudley was presented with the honour for his “trailblazing career in UK television”, organisers said. A video montage of his work across the years was played during the ceremony on Thursday at the OVO Arena Wembley in London before Sir Lenny collected the award.

Source: www.dudleynews.co.uk

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Four films commissioned during Coventry’s City of Culture year are being recognised through nominations for a series of major awards. During Coventry’s City of Culture year, Sky Arts partnered with Arts Council England, the Trust, The Space and Shoot Festival to give 10 artists from the city creative broadcast opportunities.

The City of Culture Trust’s ‘Ghosts in the Ruins’ has been nominated in the Royal Television Society Midlands Awards in the specialist factual category. Performed at Coventry Cathedral in January, Ghosts in the Ruins was created by Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement recipient Nitin Sawhney CBE alongside the people of Coventry. It marked the 60th anniversary of Coventry Cathedrals’ consecration.

Meanwhile, 2 Tone: The Sound of Coventry, which was a collaboration between the City of Culture Trust and Full Fat Television, received nominations in Documentary, craft-post production and creative community. The film, commissioned by BBC England, used music, archive footage and a rare interview with 2 Tone founder Jerry Dammers as well as The Specials’ Neville Staple, The Selecter’s Pauline Black and others to explore the genre, which exploded out of Coventry in 1979.

Alexandra Johnson’s ‘Widow’s Might’ has been nominated for ‘short film’, and tells the story of a Coventry woman who gives up everything to look after her dying husband. Alexandra was also recognised for her work behind the scenes with nominations in the ‘Best Breakthrough off-screen’ and ‘writer’ categories.

Irish, Blacks and Dogs by Jack Norris has been nominated for short film. The film tells the story of an ageing Irish immigrant who must confront his prejudiced views when a young black paramedic comes to his aide after he suffers a fall.

Coventry City of Culture of Trust chief executive Martin Sutherland said: “We are extremely proud of the creative skill and talent showcased in each of these Coventry films and would like to congratulate all the nominees. So many incredible creatives call the West Midlands home, and these nominations further demonstrate what was achieved in partnership with some fantastic people and organisations during the City of Culture year.”

Hayley Pepler, former Head of Content & Digital Broadcast at Coventry City of Culture Trust and Producer of Ghosts in the Ruins for BBC4, added: “These nominations demonstrate that there is a thriving creative community in Coventry of writers, directors and producers delivering programmes for broadcasters of real quality and purpose. Foundations laid by these commissions during the City of Culture year will support the city’s creative economy as it develops into a destination for new production talent to tell their stories onscreen and grow successful businesses at this same time.”

Source: coventryobserver.co.uk

For more industry information, visit our news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Champion, a major new drama from Candice Carty-Williams, has begun filming in Birmingham for BBC One.  Set in south London, the original drama explores what happens when fame collides with family. It centres on Bosco Champion, once a UK rap sensation, as he arrives home from prison and plans to dominate the music industry once more.

The series comes from Balloon Entertainment and New Pictures and is exec produced by Jo McClellan for the BBC, Bryan Elsley, Dave Evans and Danielle Scott-Haughton for Balloon Entertainment, Charlie Pattinson, Willow Grylls and Imogen O’Sullivan for New Pictures, part of theAll3Media Group, and Carty-Williams.

The producer is Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor. Further writers include Isis Davis, Emma Dennis-Edwards, Ameir Brown and Edem Wornoo.

Carty-Williams (pictured) said  “Champion is a celebration of black music and a black family, however fragmented that family might be. Since I knew what music was, I’ve loved grime and UK rap and neo-soul, to the point of obsession, and to bring to a primetime slot a series that gives these genres of music life and texture is absolutely amazing, as is getting to work with some of the best producers making music today to create original tracks for the show. “I can’t think of anywhere else Champion could sit but the BBC and I’m looking forward to everyone seeing a show that they have never seen before.”

Source: www.theknowledgeonline.com

For more industry information, visit our news page or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Steven Knight, the creator of the popular show ‘Peaky Blinders’ is talking about his anticipated spinoff film of the much-loved franchise. In a recent interview, Steven spoke about how the film is taking shape, and from the sound of it, production may kick off as soon as Knight is about to complete the script.

In the interview, Knight said, “Yes, I’m writing it right now. I’m nearly done writing it, and we’re going to shoot it… I’m setting up some film and television studios in Digbeth in Birmingham.”

Knight had a historical motive for picking the locations for the shoot. As it is believed that the real-life Peaky Blinders, who served as the show’s inspiration, wandered the locales. “We’re going to shoot it at the studios in Digbeth, and on location in Digbeth in Birmingham. Digbeth and Small Heath is where the Peaky Blinders actually roamed. So it’s like Peaky’s coming home basically.”

During the interview, Knight confirmed his original commitment of starting the shoot in 2023 by saying that the it will begin in the next 18 months, which puts the project on schedule. While the details about the film are very limited due to the time it has for release, it looks like this will serve as a befitting closing curtain on the Shelby family and their gang. However, Knight hinted in the interview that the film would include a slew of familiar and beloved characters, as well as a slew of new ones.

‘Peaky Blinders’ has developed quite a fan base since it was first launched, and audiences have witnessed a never-before-seen crime boss as Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, and his street gang. It is the most adored British drama of recent times. The show, throughout its runtime, received a lot of praise and critical acclaim. It won the Best Drama Series BAFTA award in 2018.

The British television show was based on the real eponymous street gang that followed Shelby’s ambitious leadership of the group as it sought to spread its roots outside of Birmingham. ‘Peaky Blinders’ most-awaited season six was also successful, and all its seasons and episodes can be streamed on Netflix.

Knight also talked about wanting to share his work experience with the community that made it all possible. “But I’m just really looking forward to having a Peaky event where people can watch it communally,” he said.

“I mean, the social media community is so strong and people talk to each other. But to actually be together physically will be really interesting.”

Source: www.wionews.com

For more industry information, visit Film Birmingham’s news page. Or add us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.